A letter from an Ex-Witch regarding the Harry Potty series:
Obviously, most of my readers (at least the few that commented) believe that movies like Harry Potter (ha, at first I typed "Potty") are okay for the Christian to watch. Let me just say that I have watched a few Harry Potter movies and other shows which applaud witchcraft in the past. I was left with the feeling that these movies, books, and shows are enticing children into such practice. Call me crazy (I'm sure some of you will), but should we really muddy the waters? Or should we do as Philippians 4:8 commands?
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
I can't be the only child who thought that witchcraft and sorcery was really cool and awesome because of what I read in books, who pretended to have magical powers, and tested the waters of the occult. I had to come to a point of repentance after realizing that these were things God despised. If God despises something, is it okay if it's only fiction? I think we're walking a fine line there.
In years past, I did a lot of diving into God's view of sorcery/witchcraft/etc. Should we watch something (even if it be fiction) that is based on something God clearly hates?
2 Kings 17:17
"Then they made their sons and their daughters pass through the fire, and practiced divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him."
2 Chron 33:6
"He made his sons pass through the fire in the valley of Ben-hinnom; and he practiced witchcraft, used divination, practiced sorcery and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger."
Galatians 5:19-21
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft (sorcery in some versions), hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
There are many other verses which talk about the occult/sorcery/witchcraft. I'm not saying that anyone who reads such books or watches these movies is not a Christian, but as Christians, we should really pay attention to what we allow to filter through our brain (and especially what we allow in our childrens' minds, as they soak up everything).
As always, I enjoy friendly discussions on the subject. Any rude and disrespectful notes will be deleted.
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ReplyDeleteYes it's okay! It's a fictional STORY.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ophelia! (and a good story it is too!)
ReplyDeleteYup, it's still okay. Watching (or reading) a story involving witches/witchcraft/sorcery is hardly the same thing as joining the occult. Not to mention the fact that reading about young witches learning magic can hardly make a child produce magic. Kids can wave around wooden sticks all they want, it won't make magic. The release of Harry Potter onto the world has not created an increase in children joining the occult, trying black magic, becoming satanists, etc. It's really done nothing but make many tweens and teenagers (and adults!) find a love of reading. Focus instead on the ultimate triumph of good over evil if you want.
ReplyDeleteSome great works of literature involve witchcraft, most notably Shakespeare's Macbeth, not to mention CS Lewis' The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe series. I can read a story with elements of witchcraft in it without feeling like I need to run out and start practicing sorcery. I'm an adult and have no problem differentiating between reading fiction and living in the real world. As a Christian (Catholic), reading a book about sorcery isn't anymore sinful than reading or writing a blog about it. I'm not practicing it, wanting to practice it, or encouraging others to practice it. It's just a story.
Harry Potter created a stir because it became so wildly popular so fast. Kids like it more because of the friendship bonds, the boarding school atmosphere, and that there's multiple books than the witchcraft aspect.
That being said, HP really is geared towards an older crowd. I wouldn't let my elementary school aged kids watch it, especially the later ones. It's violent, and deals with several mature topics. I'd let them read farther into the series than I'd let them watch the corresponding movies for, but the books are less graphic than the films. But the witchcraft aspect? It's only a big deal if you make it one.
(I know you mentioned "watching HP," and I focused more on books, but since HP started as book, I went with that). This got long, sorry!
Why bother? Before I was Christian, I thought all the books were awesome. Magic, flying, etc, sounded so coooool. But now--it doesn't hold my attention. The world God has created is so much cooler. Ever since I became Christian (and a mom), I have no time for fictional stories, especially those that don't glorify Him in any way. I have so little time on earth. Harry Potter? Why bother?
ReplyDeleteAnd if my kids wanted to spend their time and energy losing themselves in fictional worlds (as I did growing up) I would take it as a sign that I was losing their hearts to the world.
So, respectfully, IMHO, no. :)